Government
Berkeley County Judicial Center
Project Name:
Berkeley County Judicial CenterLocation:
Martinsburg, West Virginia, USACompletion Date:
December 2006Original Use(s):
woolen mill, outlet mall, community and technical collegeNew Use(s):
courthouseProject Description:
History This historic complex in downtown Martinsburg, West Virginia, has gone through numerous adaptations. Originally built in phases from 1917 to 1927, the U-shaped structure was constructed of brick and heavy timber and first served as a woolen mill. After the mill was shut down, it was converted into an outlet mall in the 1980s as a shopping destination for the local community. The outlet mall however did not succeed and the complex again went through another rebirth as a community and technical college.[1] (Re)Developer The Berkeley County Commission serves as the governmental agency for Berkeley County, West Virginia. AECOM provides professional technical and management support services in: architecture, building engineering, design and planning, economics, energy, environment, government, program management, transportation, and water. It has offices around the world.[2] Brechbill and Helman Construction Company, Inc. has served the construction industry for over 40 years working in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.[3] Outcome The abandoned Blue Ridge Outlet Mall complex in downtown Martinsburg was adapted by AECOM in order to consolidate the judicial operations of Berkeley County. Its location in downtown meant the adaptation needed to respect the original structure as well as the scale of the surrounding area. The industrial history is maintained through the original brick exterior walls while a new protruding glass entrance was incorporated to fill in the U-shape and make for a larger usable floor plate. A three-story light well was added to bring natural light in through the building as well as establish a grand public space. In addition to revitalizing the abandoned building, the renovation also allows for future growth and expansion of the facility at the location. “The success of this project has been fully realized in witnessing the revitalization that has occurred in the surrounding community.”[4]
[1]AECOM
[2]AECOM
[3]Brechbill and Helman
[4]AECOM
Images courtesy of Erik Svensson and AECOM.
Cambridge City Hall Annex
Project Name:
Cambridge City Hall AnnexLocation:
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USACompletion Date:
1939 & 2003Original Use(s):
schoolNew Use(s):
municipal officesProject Description:
History
Built in 1871, this building originally served as the Harvard Grammar School for Cambridge. The building sustained significant damage during a fire in 1899. It was then renovated and a new third floor and brick parapet were added.
(Re)Developer
Please supply any developer info you may have regarding the original conversion that took place in 1939.
For the 2002-2003 renovation, the City worked with HKT Architects and Consigli Construction.
Outcome
The 1939 work on the building saw the City convert the school into a new municipal office building. At that time, the brick parapet was removed due to structural issues. The 2002-2003 renovation however saw the building convert into an example of sustainability. The historic exterior of the building was preserved and the brick parapet was recreated to capture the building’s historical significance. A number of new green features were incorporated: water-efficient landscaping, alternative commuting options, minimized heat absorption, recycled materials, sustainable forestry, indoor environmental air quality, solar power, no boiler or furnace, maximized daylighting, “intelligent” lighting, and targeting energy use.[1]
[1]City of Cambridge
Images courtesy of Engine21.